The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Kenneth H. Quelch (MCSN: 0-19705), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as S-4 of the First Battalion, Eleventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 3 December 1950. When the convoy, which was transporting his battalion, was halted by an enemy roadblock, First Lieutenant Quelch fearlessly and repeatedly exposed himself to intense and accurate hostile small arms, machine gun and mortar fire to move voluntarily among the unit firing positions supplying critically needed ammunition and directing effective fire on hostile positions on both sides of the road. By his courageous initiative, coolness in the face of heavy fire and inspiring devotion to duty, First Lieutenant Quelch contributed materially to the subsequent advance of the convoy, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.